tag:,2016:blogdestructoidhttp://bulk2.destructoid.com/ele2/images/destructoid/favicon.ico2015-09-26T18:00:00Ztag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=312640Kyle MacGregorhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Kyle+MacGregorWhen a bonus mode is better than the main game2015-09-26T18:00:00Z2015-09-26T18:00:00Z<p><em>Super Monkey Ball</em> was magical. It's a series for which I have so many fond memories. I have this vision in my head, a strong mental picture of half-a-dozen guys in a dimly-lit college dorm room playing Monkey Target 2. There was also the time we crowded around an old CRT television to play some... Huh. You know, come to think of it, every memory I can conjure involves that mini-game.</p>
<p>No offense to the main game or anything (I'm sure it's a perfectly tolerable <em>Marble Madness</em> clone), but for my friends and I (as well as Dtoid's own Steven Hansen, <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/just-cause-3-has-super-monkey-ball-style-challenge-mode-306775.phtml#comment-2201750021" target="_blank">who has a similar story</a>) Monkey Target may as well have been the only part of the game that existed.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/312640-monkey4.jpg" alt="When a bonus mode is better than the main game screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/when-a-bonus-mode-is-better-than-the-main-game-312640.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=275091Brittany Vincenthttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Brittany+VincentSuper Monkey Ball Bounce is equal parts Peggle and pachinko2014-05-19T19:00:00Z2014-05-19T19:00:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="340" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iv-VJ2tI6Jg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Do you like playing with balls? How about bouncing balls? I'm talking about pachinko, jeez. Where's your mind been? <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/products_detail.phtml?p=Super+Monkey+Ball" target="_blank">Super Monkey Ball</a></em> returns this summer with <em>Super Monkey Ball Bounce,</em> a different spin on a classic formula. This time, AiAi and the crew bounce about through 120 levels of vertical mayhem, ping-ponging and zipping back and forth to collect bananas and trounce the evil Prof. Boscis' lackeys.</p>
<p>It looks like a pretty satisfying mixture of pachinko and <em><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/peggle-249697.phtml" target="_blank">Peggle</a></em>, and since I was never really into the original <em>Monkey Ball</em> games, this might be one to watch for some casual fun. It's releasing this summer for free on the App Store and Google Play, so it might be an interesting riff on Sega's most popular monkeys that doesn't involve motion control. At least, I hope it doesn't. I'd much rather this release feature tactile controls.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/275091-aiaiboss.jpg" alt="Super Monkey Ball Bounce is equal parts Peggle and pachinko screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=263654Bill Zoekerhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Bill+ZoekerSuper Monkey Ball proves effective warm-up for surgeons2013-10-19T17:00:00Z2013-10-19T17:00:00Z<p>All the time, we are discovering ways videogames can substantially improve our lives, and it now seems they are improving our medical care. Dr. James "Butch" Rosser has found that a doctor playing videogames before performing a laparoscopic operation can lead to a 26 percent increase in surgical performance. Physicians who play games like <em>Super Monkey Ball </em>at least three hours a week&nbsp;make 37 percent fewer surgical errors, according to Dr. Rosser's study. That is an incredible improvement, considering that the study also states that &nbsp;98,000 patients die every year from medical errors.<span style="white-space: pre;"></span></p>
<p>Dr. Butch, as I am compelled to refer to him for the rest of time, was inspired to conduct this study essentially on a hunch that his gaming hobby might be improving his surgical dexterity. As it turns out, he was right. The study lasted from 2001-2003, testing more than 300 doctors, analyzing their technique through a simulated laparoscopic surgery. Half of the physicians played <em>Super Monkey Ball </em>prior to their evaluation, while the other half went with their usual routine. Naturally, those who gamed walked out with a better score, and a better result for their patient.</p> <p>
<img src="http://cdn.destructoid.com//ul/263654-MonkeyBallHead.jpg" alt="Super Monkey Ball proves effective warm-up for surgeons screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-proves-effective-warm-up-for-surgeons-263654.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=238753Chris Carterhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Chris+CarterReview: Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz2012-11-19T17:00:00Z2012-11-19T17:00:00Z<p><em>Monkey Ball</em> hasn't done much to change up its tried-and-true formula in the past decade, and tends to play things fairly close to the chest. You're a monkey, you're in a ball, and you have to roll around to collect bananas. Full stop, you know what you're getting here when it comes to most of the franchise.</p>
<p>After a number of ports, rehashes, and eventually a culmination of a $2.99 mobile game (that's constantly on sale for $0.99), even as a fan, it's easy to become disinterested.</p>
<p>So what did I find after playing the Vita's first ever <em>Monkey Ball </em>game? Yep, this is pretty much the same thing you played all the way back in 2001.</p>
<p>Just worse.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/238753-SM1.jpg" alt="Review: Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/review-super-monkey-ball-banana-splitz-238753.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=236882Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceRacing is transformed in Sonic Universe #452012-10-16T17:45:00Z2012-10-16T17:45:00Z<p><em>Sonic Universe</em> #45 hits newsstands tomorrow, but non-subscribers can steal a peek at some fresh pages in the gallery below. This is the <em>Sonic &amp; All-Stars Racing Transformed</em> adaptation issue that was first revealed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/exclusive-danica-patrick-to-guest-star-in-archie-sonic-235365.phtml">right here</a> on Dtoid and which features cameos from several Sega stars as well as NASCAR's Danica Patrick.</p>
<p>AiAi from <i>Super Monkey Ball</i>, Beat from <i>Jet Set Radio</i>, and Vyse from <em>Skies of Arcadia</em> all gather 'round for some wholesome fun and friendly competition. Naturally, Dr. Eggman has to storm in and be a big tool because <em>reasons</em>.</p>
<p>None of this is canon, of course, but it may be your only chance to catch these legendary Sega icons in comic book form. Especially Vyse -- <em>Skies of Arcadia</em> fans never seem to catch a break.</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/236882-SU45-Header.jpg" alt="Racing is transformed in Sonic Universe #45 screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/racing-is-transformed-in-sonic-universe-45-236882.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=236635Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceMonkey balls in your face: A Super Monkey Ball musical2012-10-12T23:30:00Z2012-10-12T23:30:00Z<p><iframe width="620" height="349" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YH79cgVqvyo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<p>Internet musical collective Random Encounters has been whipping up promotional videos for Sega lately. They concocted <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDvI_0o1oe8" target="_blank"><em>Sega Bass Fishing of the Dead</em></a> as an April Fools' joke, then they followed up with a musical based on <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/rhythm-thief-the-emperor-s-treasure-231027.phtml" target="_blank"><em>Rhythm Thief &amp; the Emperor's Treasure</em></a> for the 3DS.</p>
<p>Next on the list is <a href="https://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-banana-splitz-coming-to-vita-this-fall-227913.phtml" target="_blank"><em>Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz</em></a>, scheduled to release on PS Vita on October 23. This new production will be broken into three parts, with the second act set to go live next Friday. The RE crew dresses up like AiAi and the gang, slapping monkey ears on their heads and turning themselves into mutants with two sets of ears.</p>
<p>This series is now about deformed human-monkey crossbreeds trapped in airless plastic balls. Animal cruelty at its finest.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH79cgVqvyo" target="_blank">Super Monkey Ball: The Musical - Episode 1</a> [YouTube]</p> <p>
<img src="http://www.destructoid.com//ul/236635-SuperMonkeyBallMusical-Header.jpg" alt="Monkey balls in your face: A Super Monkey Ball musical screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=230678Dale Northhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Dale+NorthSega's 4th of July sale for PSN, XBLA and iOS2012-07-03T20:30:00Z2012-07-03T20:30:00Z<p>Sega loves to have sales for just about any occasion, so Independence Day is as good as any. Tomorrow, look for marked down games on iOS (and one Android title), PlayStation Network and Xbox Live Arcade. Here's what they have marked down:</p>
<p>Mobile:</p>
<ul>
<li>iOS: <em>Super Monkey Ball, Super Monkey Ball 2, </em>and<em> Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition</em> -- $0.99</li>
<li>Android: <em>Super Monkey Ball 2: Sakura Edition</em> -- $0.99</li>
</ul>
<p>Console:</p>
<ul>
<li>XBLA:<em> Aliens vs Predator</em> -- $14.99</li>
<li>PSN:<em> House of the Dead III</em> -- $4.89</li>
<li>PSN:<em> Renegade Ops</em> -- $10.49</li>
<li>PSN: Renegade Ops campaign and vehicle pack -- $2.49/$1.49</li>
</ul>
<p>Gonna get something?</p> <p>
<img src="http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/230678-bbb.jpg" alt="Sega's 4th of July sale for PSN, XBLA and iOS screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=228973Tony Poncehttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Tony+PonceE3: Gilius Thunderhead & All-Stars Racing Transformed2012-06-06T17:15:00Z2012-06-06T17:15:00Z<p>This is <em>not</em> an announcement that <em>Sonic &amp; All-Stars Racing Transformed</em> is being renamed <em>Gilius Thunderhead &amp; All-Stars Racing Transformed</em>. I wish, because Gilius Thunderhead is the greatest Sega character of all time, and his inclusion in the sequel to Sega's surprisingly solid crossover racer is definitely reason to celebrate.</p>
<p>If I could be quite honest, <em>Transformed</em> is looking pretty badass.</p> <p>
<img src="http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/228973-SegaAllStarsTransformedGilius.jpg" alt="E3: Gilius Thunderhead & All-Stars Racing Transformed screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/e3-gilius-thunderhead-all-stars-racing-transformed-228973.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=227913Dale Northhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Dale+NorthSuper Monkey Ball Banana Splitz coming to Vita this fall2012-05-23T09:30:00Z2012-05-23T09:30:00Z<p>Sega has more monkey&nbsp;business&nbsp;in store for the PS Vita later this year with <em>Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz</em>. Yes, with a "z." This game will feature more than 100 stages of tilt-y ball rolling as well as eight mini-games that use the Vita's touch and tilt capabilities.</p>
<p>In<em> Banana Splitz</em> the Vita camera can also be used to photograph real objects to be used within custom stages. That means that this could be the first game in the series to actually include real monkey balls!</p>
<p>The game features Wifi supported online multiplayer mode and GPS functionality to give you your standing locally as well as in the global leaderboards.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz</em> will be released on October 23, 2012. Check out some new screenshots in our gallery.</p> <p>
<img src="http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/227913-ballz.jpg" alt="Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz coming to Vita this fall screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-banana-splitz-coming-to-vita-this-fall-227913.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=226198Hiroko Yamamurahttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hiroko+YamamuraSuper Monkey Ball decides to get a bit naughty2012-04-20T08:00:00Z2012-04-20T08:00:00Z<p><!-- jEmbed JS API-->
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<p>Some things just represent purity and innocence to me. New born babies, Mother Theresa, and of course <em>Super Monkey Ball</em>. I'm sure you could mix various words in the game's title with others to dirty it up, but the thought of AiAi and Baby participating in anything less than wholesome doesn't sit well with me. Well, an upcoming "Adult Map" for the Vita release of SEGA's <em>Super Monkey Ball Banana Splitz</em> is looking to change the way you play ball.</p>
<p>Ever launched a monkey off a cleavage ramp before? Popular&nbsp;gravure&nbsp;model Yuki Kawamura is featured in the map and new&nbsp;commercial, lending her various endowments to the game. I would venture to say that calling this "Adult Map" may be pushing it a bit, perhaps "PG-13 map" may be a bit more&nbsp;appropriate? Due to Miss Kawamura's&nbsp;relatively&nbsp;unknown&nbsp;status in the States, it's rather unlikely we will see a domestic release of this map.&nbsp;Those who feel like being a bad monkey and possess some&nbsp;international&nbsp;skills can currently preview the map as a demo on the Japanese Playstation Network.</p>
<p><a href="https://andriasang.com/con0q3/monkey_ball_adult_map/" target="_blank">Super Monkey Ball Vita Includes "Adult Map"</a> [Andriasang]</p> <p>
<img src="http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/226198-head.jpg" alt="Super Monkey Ball decides to get a bit naughty screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-decides-to-get-a-bit-naughty-226198.phtml">Read more...</a>tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=219489Hamza CTZ Azizhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Hamza+CTZ+AzizGo bananas over Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz 2012-01-13T23:00:00Z2012-01-13T23:00:00Z<p><script language="javascript" type="text/javascript" src="https://cdn.springboard.gorillanation.com/storage/js/sb.html5.js"></script>
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<p>Of course there's a new<em> Super Monkey Ball</em> game coming to the PlayStation Vita. <em>Super Monkey Ball</em> is on EVERYTHING and so here's the latest trailer that's more of a tease rather than gameplay footage.</p>
<p><em>Banana Splitz</em> will feature motion-based controls, front and back touch controls and of course traditional button and stick functionality. There will also be four-player multiplayer modes over WiFi where you can play in classic game modes such as Monkey Target or any of the new game modes being added for the Vita version.</p>
<p><em>Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz</em> will be out this Summer on the PlayStation Vita.</p> <p>
<img src="http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/219489-header.jpg" alt="Go bananas over Super Monkey Ball: Banana Splitz screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
</p>
tag:https://www.destructoid.com/,2016:/post.phtml?pk=214174Keith Swiaderhttp://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Keith+SwiaderSuper Monkey Ball on the PS Vita is photo-rific2011-10-21T10:00:00Z2011-10-21T10:00:00Z<p>SEGA is bringing their beloved <em>Super Monkey Ball</em> series to Sony's new PlayStation Vita, which, by the way, has been dated for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.destructoid.com/playstation-vita-us-launch-date-announced-february-22-213985.phtml">February 22 of next year</a>. Surely, everybody loves the little monkey rolling around in his super ball, collecting bananas, and trying his damnedest to avoid falling off the edge of any given level, right?</p>
<p>Heck, that monkey rules, and his offering on the Vita not only sounds promising, but <em>it is</em> promising, and in my opinion offers what all great portable titles should -- quick, pick-up-and-play gameplay.&nbsp;</p> <p>
<img src="http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/214174-PREVIEW HEADER.jpg" alt="Super Monkey Ball on the PS Vita is photo-rific screenshot" width="620" border="0" />
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<a target="_blank" href="http://www.destructoid.com/super-monkey-ball-on-the-ps-vita-is-photo-rific-214174.phtml">Read more...</a>